Proposed election law changes 2017

Don Polye issued the call following the Supreme Court’s verdict last Friday rejecting the Ombudsman Commission’s bid to stop the Parliament from further votes, debate and deliberation.

He said the amendment bill infringed on the citizens’ constitutional right to contend for any public office.

“The court’s rejection does not mean that the bill is constitutional. The decision only reflected a distinct separation of powers among the judiciary, executive and the legislative governments,” he said.

Pangu Party and Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Basil, is appealing to all the 4,000 intending candidates to join the campaign to mount a legal challenge against the proposed laws.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently confirmed his plans to increase the candidate nomination fee from K1,000 to K10,000, and fees for election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.

Basil made the call yesterday alongside Member for Goilala, William Samb, in a media conference.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill recently reaffirmed his plans to increase the candidate nomination fee from K1,000 to K10,000, and fees for election petitions from K5,000 to K20,000.

Basil highlighted that the proposed amendments are wrong and unconstitutional.

They will mount an immediate court challenge and have that law stayed by the court, and determine whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional.

Basil questioned the role and official obligation of the PNG Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato in independently overseeing the success of general elections.

“Mr Gamato must be able to explain his organisation’s original advice and submission to the National Executive Council (NEC) that has provided the inspiration for these major proposed changes to PNG’s election laws,” says Basil.